Another show that brings back musical legends is “Rain,” a concert-style show that showcases the Beatles’ career, from their initial British invasion and appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” through their final albums, “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be.” Original film footage and television commercials help set the mood, and the musicians who play John, Paul, George and Ringo also evolve from mop-tops to bell-bottoms and peace signs.
The long-awaited Broadway revival of “Godspell,” the first since the original closed 34 years ago, will begin previews Oct. 13 at the Circle in the Square Theatre, with opening night scheduled for Nov. 7. The musical, with its hit “Day by Day” is a series of parables based on the Gospel of Matthew.
The much-troubled “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” which closed for four weeks for a total retooling, was scheduled to have its long-delayed official opening in June. Martin said despite all its problems, among them cast members being hurt, the play will be a hit and will be suitable for all ages.
“I have a feeling it will be around for a long time,” he said. “With all the hassles and angst it has gone through, they will have something watchable when it comes out of the tunnel.
“There is no language that is objectionable, and there is a lot of spectacle.”
Some plays deal with more controversial subjects and are harder for groups to plan attending because of their usually shorter runs, but Martin said one he would recommend is “War Horse” at the Lincoln Center, although some of the battle scenes may be too intense for those under 12.
“It’s an amazing piece,” he said. “In 40 years of going to the theater, it is one of my top five experiences.”
The play is about a teenage British boy, Albert, whose beloved horse Joey is sold to the military during World War I. The plot follows Joey’s experiences being forced into service on both sides and Albert’s later efforts to find Joey and bring him home.
Three-man puppet teams portray the horses.
“The leading players are eight-foot-tall puppets, but you understand every single thing they are feeling and thinking,” said Martin. “One flick of the ear, and you are with them. You totally forget there are three guys manipulating them.
“It’s what theater is about.”
Although several other musicals, such as “Sister Act,” “Memphis,” “Billy Elliott,” “Catch Me If You Can” and “The Addams Family,” should be fine for most groups, Martin said they do contain some language or themes that might be offensive to some.
As an example, he pointed out the unexpected reaction he got from one group leader who had seen the long-running hit “Mama Mia!” which features the songs of the Swedish group Abba.
“Even though it has been around for 10 years in New York, and there was a movie, we did have someone call and complain,” said Martin. They were upset about the musical’s story line, which deals with a young woman trying to identify which of three men is her father as she prepares for her wedding.
“If you are at all unsure, talk to somebody,” he said.
